The Incas and Aztecs were two of the largest native empires in the Americas. While they were culturally similar, their economic exchanges were very different:
Inca economy:
Did not generate large classes of merchants and artisans
On a local level Incas traded handcrafted goods among themselves
Essential government controlled long distance trade
Inca state did not permit individuals to become independent merchants
In an absence of market economy a large class of professional skilled artisans did not emerge
Fine goods were reserved for the ruling priestly and the aristocrats
Peasants worked the land and gave over a portion of their produce to the state
Besides supporting ruling classes, revenue also used for famine relief
Peasants also provided heavy labor for public works
Cloth was the most valuable trade object and among the most difficult to produce
Aztec economy:
The Aztec empire spread its wealth because of the tribute system
Merchants took goods to distant lands and exchanged them for local products
They assembled tributes for all land that they conquered
Tenochtitlan was a wealthy economic center
Cocoa beans were the equivalent to a currency
The market had separate sections for merchants dealing in gold, silver, slaves, henequen and cotton cloth shoes, animal skins turkeys dogs wild game maize beans peppers cacao and fruits
Comparisons:
Aztecs:
Open land geography allows aztecs to trade with others and expand their empire
Aztecs had an established currency systems with the precious cacao beans
Gave merchants more freedom and a higher rank in society
Incas
Empire was secluded in the mountians causing them to have little or no interaction with nearby societies.
one of many to have a thriving economy without a currency system
Did not consider merchants as an important class in society
Validated by: Armando Covarrubias
-Pretty good information, maybe include some of the societies with whom both traded?
-What did the Inca replace a currecny system with?
-Why were merchants considered imporant in the Aztec society but not in the Incan?
Inca economy:
Aztec economy:
Comparisons:
Aztecs:
- Open land geography allows aztecs to trade with others and expand their empire
- Aztecs had an established currency systems with the precious cacao beans
- Gave merchants more freedom and a higher rank in society
Incas- Empire was secluded in the mountians causing them to have little or no interaction with nearby societies.
- one of many to have a thriving economy without a currency system
- Did not consider merchants as an important class in society
Validated by: Armando Covarrubias-Pretty good information, maybe include some of the societies with whom both traded?
-What did the Inca replace a currecny system with?
-Why were merchants considered imporant in the Aztec society but not in the Incan?
Validated by: Amy Gilson
-Good information; pretty easy to read
-Nice pictures
-Don't forget links
Validated by: Sean RIley , Ciara Miller
-Good information
-Need links
-Why were merchants important in Aztec empire and not in Inca empire?